CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSIn the November 1942 Matanikau Offensive, three Marine battalions trapped several hundred Japanese in a shrinking pocket west of Point Cruz. The final phase began on 3 November with an attack by 2/5th Marines that drove north to the beach. In the desperate fight, several Marines were killed and the Japanese were annihilated.

Pharmacist’s Mate Kenneth Durant, a corpsman attached to 2/5, was killed in action while going to the rescue of a badly wounded Marine. His body was buried along the beach trail west of the Matanikau River, along with four Marines from F/2/5. Subsequent campaigning may have destroyed the grave site, as none of the remains have been accounted for.

Biography:
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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Kenneth William Durant (NSN: 2661147), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy forces during an offensive in the Matanikau River area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 3 November 1942. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Durant worked his way forward with the assault elements despite tremendous hostile fire. After he had administered aid to numerous injured personnel, he halted at the command post in utter exhaustion until a Marine, fatally wounded about 15 yards to the front, called for a corpsman. Unhesitatingly, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Durant rushed forward in the face of machine-gun and sniper fire and was killed before reaching the stricken man. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Articles and Records:

Muster roll of HQ/2/5th Marines, November 1942.

Aerial view of the Point Cruz area. The Japanese were trapped along the coast at the base of the point. Numbers indicate important hills (measured in height).

Typed copy of the telegram sent to Durant’s family.

Durant’s death was headline news in Algona’s local paper, the Upper Des Moines. 7 January 1943.